Margaret Ely Davidson agreed: “I have some books for my grandchildren - I always loved The Teddy Bears’ Picnic - and a reference book for myself.”The Big Spring Book Festival also featured a Silent Auction, where rare and unusual publications - ranging from “Glancing Through the Headlines” by Mary Alice Orcutt Henderson to Dante’s “The Divine Comedy” illustrated by Gustáve Doré.“I need another book like I need a hole in the head,” said BLC Foundation Director Ed Beach, who nevertheless purchases at least one volume and adds a donation to the total at the Fall and Spring book sales.Barbara Beach was holding tight to several books, one on classical music - “who wrote what” among other information, and an English novel. “I have a weakness,” she admitted, for books set in England and produced for public television’s Masterpiece Theater.Carol Hardison was checking out customers and offering thanks for those that purchased books that benefit the Friends, which in turn will benefit Blanchard Community Library. “Why, bless your heart,” Hardison said to one buyer whose purchase totaled more than $50, including Better Books, a collection of children’s volumes and dozens of hardcovers and paperbacks that respectively sold for 50 cents and 25 cents.
Spring Big Book Festival draws lovers of the written word
May 09, 2008
Santa Paula News
You can never have enough books, and Saturday’s Friends of the Library Spring Big Book Festival was the perfect place for bibliophiles to stock up on gently used tomes.
By Peggy KellySanta Paula TimesYou can never have enough books, and Saturday’s Friends of the Library Spring Big Book Festival was the perfect place for bibliophiles to stock up on gently used tomes. The Spring Big Book Festival drew book lovers, collectors and dealers from throughout Ventura County to Blanchard Community Library’s north parking lot, where thousands of hardcover and paperback books - as well as CDs, video tapes, games and other goodies - kept browsers happy for hours.“It’s going very well,” said Friends’ Chris Lemon.Friends President Pat Alderson said the organization has kept her busy since she retired as the Santa Paula Elementary School District librarian. Alderson, who founded the district’s library system, urged buyers on: “I’m so pleased to see you’re buying books,” she said to those passing by holding tight to volumes.Books mean a lot of Alderson, who believes the allure of reading is strong: “A book is a place where you can go and be somebody else, live a different life,” she noted. Reading provides everything from education to entertainment, but always provides enjoyment.“This is a gathering of the learned of Santa Paula,” said Steve Davidson of Ventura as he surveyed the crowd. “This is the best place in town... everyone reads good books.”
